Food & Tennis - The Perfect Match At Queens
The 2007 Artois Championships return to the prestigious Queen's Club in West London this June. The West Kensington based Club has hosted the acclaimed grass court championships tournament since 1979 for 28 consecutive years, and the 2007 fixture looks set to be more competitive than ever. Top international male players including Novak Djokovic, Fernando Gonazlez and Ivan Ljubicic are confirmed to play, alongside former world no. 1 and two-time grand slam title winner Marat Safin.
The tournament runs from 11th – 17th June, and the ATP fixture has long been a firm favourite with the public, drawing huge crowds to West London. Tim Henman and Andy Murray will be representing British interests, while defending champion Lleyton Hewitt and three-time winner Andy Roddick are hotly tipped as players to watch.
Tournament participants and visitors alike will have the opportunity to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and superb culinary facilities on offer at the nearby Queens Arms, a new gastro pub that has recently opened in the immediate vicinity of the Queens Club. Boasting an ambitious international menu, extensive wine list and stylish interior design scheme, the Queens Arms is the ideal place to dine and socialise following an exciting day at the tennis. For those who weren’t lucky enough to get tickets, the Queens Arms will be screening key tournament matches live on it’s high quality wall mounted plasma screens.
Newly opened this year, The Queens Arms has created quite a stir in the West London restaurant market, setting a new benchmark for local eateries to aspire to and proving a firm favourite with businesses and residents in the Hammersmith, Fulham and Earl’s Court district. The predominant offering is that of a traditional concept gastro pub – there is a spacious bar area and the food served is of a superb quality, while reflecting excellent value for money.
The venue is assembled over two levels, with a striking black walnut bar occupying centre stage on the ground floor complemented by a classy balconette section housing the restaurant area upstairs. The bar area offers a wide selection of draught and bottled beers, spirits and a classic cocktail list, while the atmosphere is pleasantly buzzy but relaxed and informal. There is also an extensive and innovative bar menu, with dishes including lamb and mint burger served with tzatziki, hand-cut chips and mixed leaf salad and spanish pork casserole with morcilla iberica and potato chips available throughout the day.
Visitors to the quietly sophisticated restaurant area on the upper floor will enjoy an authentic Al Fresco experience, thanks to the venue’s retractable roof - an ingenious design feature. An extensive a la carte style menu features entrees such as sashimi of tuna, avocado, petite cress salad, salmon pearls and citrus cream and also foie gras and chicken liver parfait with brioche and apple compote. Main course highlights include pan-roasted bream with asparagus, jersey royals, braised baby gems and caper beurre noisette in addition to salt marsh lamb cutlets with smashed peas, mint, crisp prosciutto, kipfler potatoes and carrot and honey reduction.
Those who are passionate about wine will not be disappointed by the establishment’s wine list – there are over 70 inspiring wines to choose from, including a selection of unusual new world varieties alongside more classic French and Italian labels.
With contemporary glass paintings by artist Zebedee Helm throughout, the venue has multiple elements of visual opulence and the overall impression is one of timeless style. Combined with traditional furniture, excellent service and an unpretentious attitude, the Queens Arms is something rare and diverse – a diamond in the rough.
The Queens Arms is independently owned and managed by Proprietors Jon Bird and Tim Brown, better known for being the brains behind the highly acclaimed Freemasons pub in Wandsworth, which has enjoyed sustained success since opening in December 2003.
Tim Brown and Jon Bird commented;
“June is always a fantastic time to visit Baron’s Court. Unlike Wimbledon, the Artois Championships have a habit of bringing with them the best of the summer weather. The atmosphere around the Queens Club is always electric and very infectious - we’re extremely lucky to have the highlight of the international tennis circuit unfolding literally on our doorstep. Anyone who catches a ball bouncing in from the courts can claim a free pint! The Queens Arms is highly versatile; we’re able to cater to sports fans looking for a lively social scene in the bar area on the ground floor, and individuals interested in fine dining will find more sophistication and privacy in the restaurant section upstairs.”
The Queens Arms will be open for breakfast from 10am during the week of the Stella Artois Tournament, with Lunch served from 12 noon until 3.30 pm and dinner from 6.30 pm until 10.00pm.
The Queens Arms is located at:
171 Greyhound Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 8NL
